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Ntjarnga Traditional Cache

Hidden : 5/12/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The traditional name of Glen Helen is Ntjarnga, which means waterhole or oasis.This oasis in the desert was a main water source,as this is a permanent waterhole, and it was a ceremonial site for the Western Aranda people. Ntjarnga is a place that holds a number of traditional stories, one being that of the Rainbow Serpent, which travelled along the mountains and stopped to rest and drink from this waterhole.

Today many travellers stop here to rest and take refreshment from the nearby Glen Helen homestead and then take a refreshing swim in the waterhole.
The water hole at Glen Helen is part of the ancient Finke River which rises in the West MacDonnell Ranges and meanders 700km across plains and rugged mountain ranges before disappearing into the sands of the desert.
Glen Helen Gorge is also an important haven for the areas wildlife. It's rocky slopes are home to the areas largest colony of Black-footed Rock -wallabies. The gorge contains one of only nine permanent waterholes on the entire Finke River. The waterhole is also home to nine species of fish and a variety of water birds such as ducks,herons and waders.


This cache was placed on Day 16 of our Larapinta Trail walk. Whilst Glen Helen is not on the trail as such, it made a pleasant 2 night diversion, while we recharged before heading onwards to Redbank Gorge and Mt Sonder.


To retrieve this cache you will need to scramble above the gorge to an elevation of approx. 635m. Nothing too hard, but there are loose rocks about, so take care. The cache is well hidden from the elements to protect it from harsh sunlight and heat during the summers. Please remember to replace the concealing stone and the wood ,exactly as it was.

Thank you to 2lostsouls, based in Alice Springs who have kindly agreed to maintain this cache

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx sbe gur orag gerr gehax.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)